The Hidden Detriment of Comparisons

Comparing yourself to others is more detrimental to your change health than you might think. In addition to the obvious negative effect—making you feel bad about yourself—comparisons prevent you from seeking help. And yet, having a strong support team is critical to making it through change successfully.

When we compare ourselves to others who seem to have it all together, we’re embarrassed to have our troubles. Or, when we contrast our troubles to world issues, such as hunger, poverty and violence, our problems seem trivial. Either way, we’re too ashamed to ask for help.

Try to see your troubles for what they are, without comparing them to anyone else’s. Everyone has problems, regardless of how perfect they might appear. Reach out to others and get the support you need to make it through your next big change. You never know. It may give them the courage to ask you about something that’s “perfect” in your life.

Read more about building your change-support team in my book, The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier.

Comparing oneself to another is not only a downer, it is negative. In order to create the change wanted, it's important to stay in a positive mind set, confident that the change is happening right Now -- in the present, the Now-time. See it happening and the positive results you'll experience with its successful completion!

"Ariane is a new voice who can inspire and inform all of us going through change, whether it be big or small, professional or personal. The First 30 Days will encourage people going through change to go from being fearful and alone to feeling optimistic and transformed."— David Bach, New York Times best-seller

"Since change is the only constant in life, it helps to have an expert navigate through the ups and downs of life. The First 30 Days is an excellent guide."— Deepak Chopra, New York Times best-seller

"Essential reading for anyone going through a change. I loved it!"— Wayne Dyer, New York Times best-seller